SECTOR GUIDE · REGIONAL TARIFF RESPONSE INITIATIVE
For canola crushers, pork packers, pulse processors and agri-food exporters.
China's tariffs hit Canadian canola, pork and pulse exporters. A 100% tariff on canola oil and 25% on pork and pork products remain in place, tariffs on canola meal and peas are suspended only until the end of 2026, and canola seed now faces a much lower combined rate. Processors and value-added exporters are the natural fit for RTRI.
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Tariff facts checked against official sources on October 29, 2026 • Sources linked below
See all sector guidesHOW TARIFFS HIT THIS SECTOR
Because some of these tariffs are suspended or reduced, show both the period of impact and where things stand now. Sales to China by product and month make the clearest picture.
Tariff measures change often. Each item links to the official source, and rates are as published on October 29, 2026.
China maintains a 100% tariff on Canadian canola oil. Its tariff on canola meal is suspended from March 1, 2026 to the end of 2026, and reduced anti-dumping duties on canola seed bring the combined rate to about 15%, down from almost 85%.
Bilateral agricultural trade with China (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, June 2026)China's 25% tariff on Canadian pork and pork products remained in place as of June 2026.
Bilateral agricultural trade with China (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, June 2026)China suspended its tariff on Canadian peas from March 1, 2026 to the end of 2026.
Renewed market access with China (Global Affairs Canada, March 2026)WHO QUALIFIES
RTRI normally funds manufacturers, suppliers and value-added businesses, so processors fit best. CED's criteria name China tariffs directly; in the Prairies, confirm with PrairiesCan how Chinese tariff impacts are assessed for businesses.
Retail, local consumer services (such as hotels, restaurants, utilities, healthcare and recreation), oil and gas extraction and construction services are generally not eligible.
Canola crushers and oil refiners. Pork packers and processors. Pulse splitters, processors and ingredient makers. Agri-food exporters to China.
In at least one of your last two fiscal years, as an incorporated, for-profit business located and operating in the region you apply to.
Assessed through your attestation, financial statements and operating history. Businesses founded after March 21, 2025 are considered case by case.
Meet at least one test: a sector hit by Section 232 or 338 tariffs (directly or as a supplier), 25% or more of revenue from goods ultimately exported to the U.S., or harm from tariffs or the uncertainty they created.
HOW RTRI CAN HELP
Liquidity assistance covers tariff-related cash-flow shortfalls in your existing labour and overhead. Pivot projects fund net-new investment on top of the business you already run. You can apply for either, or both.
Non-repayable support for a tariff-related cash-flow shortfall in the business you already run.
Liquidity covers 50% of average monthly payroll over the last 12 months at your processing operations, up to $2M non-repayable and capped at your demonstrated need.
Tariffs, customs duties, raw materials, inventory and debt payments are not eligible liquidity costs. Dividends are restricted while liquidity support is in place.
Funding for net-new investment on top of your existing labour, overhead and operations.
Projects need new, incremental costs and measurable results. Land and building purchases, entertainment, vehicles and refinancing are not eligible.
Up to $3M in combined non-repayable support: $2M for liquidity plus $1M for a non-repayable pivot. Total RTRI support, including repayable funding, is capped at $20M per business. The same costs cannot be funded twice.
THE EVIDENCE THAT MATTERS
Tariff impact is what gets assessed. You do not need to attach every business record, but each claim should trace back to one.
Examples of indirect tariff impactWHERE TO APPLY
RTRI is delivered by seven regional development agencies, each with its own process. You apply to the agency for the region where your business operates, and separate requests are needed for employees in more than one region.
Detailed application in the PrairiesCan online portal
CEDContact CED first; CED assesses eligibility, then sends the form
FedDev OntarioFillable PDF form, submitted from Adobe Acrobat Reader
ALL REGIONSAll seven regional development agencies
SECTOR QUESTIONS
Practical answers based on the agencies' published RTRI guidance and official tariff sources.
Processors that meet the criteria, including $1M+ in revenue and a documented tariff impact, can apply to the Regional Tariff Response Initiative through their regional development agency, such as PrairiesCan, CED or FedDev Ontario.
As of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's June 2026 note, China maintains 100% on canola oil and 25% on pork and pork products. Canola meal and peas are suspended until the end of 2026, and canola seed faces a combined rate of about 15%.
PrairiesCan's business criteria refer to U.S. tariffs, Canadian countermeasures or countervailing duties and the uncertainty tariffs create. Its not-for-profit criteria mention China, and other agencies' guides list Chinese tariffs. Confirm with a PrairiesCan officer before you apply.
RTRI normally supports manufacturers, suppliers and value-added businesses in tariff-impacted sectors, so processors fit best. Primary producers should ask their regional agency, and look at agricultural programs from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
LET'S FIND YOUR NEXT STEP
Tell us what has changed for your business. In a free, one-on-one consultation, we will help you understand your tariff relief funding options and next steps, whether or not you work with us.
Independent advisory by Fundspoke. We are not a government agency. Tariff measures and program terms change often; official sources, your regional agency's current rules and your contribution agreement govern. Your customs broker can confirm how tariffs apply to your products.